Lecture No. 011-What are the different dimensions with the help of which we can define Europe ?2-How does the Treaty on the European Union define Europe?3-What are the Copenhagen Criteria?

Lecture No. 02 (History of European Integration)1-Why European Integration / or history? Schumann Declaration

Schumann Declaration:9th May 1950, when Robert Schumann came up with the idea of utilizing the technological advantages ofGermanys coal and steel industries for the whole of the Europe.

Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievementswhich first create a de facto solidarity." (Robert Schuman)

2-Name some historic visions of a united Europe!1- Walter Hallstein, 1969: "Europe is not something new!"2- Dante Alighieri, 1313: "Universalis Civilitas" headed by the German emperor3- Pierre Dubois, ~1300: In order to conquer Jerusalem, European territories should build a federation4- After World War I: Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi: "Europa-Union" against Soviet influence

3-What are the 6 different dimensions for the classification of historical visions of Europe?

1- FinaliteConfederation (intergovernmentalism) and Federation (Supranationalism)

2- MethodIncrementalism and Revolution

3- DynamicExternal Pressure (external federator), and internally driven process

4- ScopeSmall (Western Europe), large, and potentially global

5- DirectionBottom up (grassroots movement), Top-down (elite driven)

6- Function:Peace, Wealth, and others

4-What are the reason for and aims of the European Integration?Why the EU was founded:1-To prevent war in Europe (especially between Germany and France)

2-To communitarize the coal and steel production in Germany, France, Italy andthe Benelux countries;The pooling of coal and steel production will change the Destinies of those regions which have long been devotedto the manufacture of munitions of war (Schuman declaration)

3-To see in future A Federation of European States

What the EU aims at:1-Peace and Security2-Powerful position (especially between the two emerging superpowers after WW II)3-Wealth4-A Single European Market5-European Standards6-The 4 Freedoms

5-What is Intergovernmentalism and Supranationalism?

6-What were the positions of the major players in Europe after WW II?

France (driving force): Federalist vision / integration to prevent further attacks from GermanyDeutschlad (supportive): Interest in re-integration into international communityBenelux (supportive): Economic interests / rather intergouvernmental visionItaly (confused): Primarily internal political agendaUK (ambivalent): Undecided between orientation towards US or towards continent

7-What were the historic steps leading to the ECSC-Treaty? / or The foundation of ECSC

1- Failure of federalist attempts in both OEEC and CoE made necessary a change in tactics2- Start small and hope for spill-over3- Large share of Europes energy needs met by coal, but allied control of coal and steel production in the

Ruhrgebiet could not continue indefinitely4- Solution: Schuman Plan (elaborated by Jean Monnet French official in the Commissariat du Plan

[remember: Planification?])5- Peace through banning mutual perception of danger and aggression between France and Germany by

placing control of coal and steel production in all member states under one common supranational HighAuthority

6- Goal: To make war in Europe not only unthinkable, but materially impossible7- Establishment of ECSC in 1951 (Treaty of Paris)

8-What were the historic steps leading to the Treaties of Rome? The foundation of the EEC The Treaties ofRomeAfter the failure of EDC and EPC: Continuation of the functionalist method of integration

1- Scandinavia and the UK remained critical towards supranational integration2- Benelux-Memorandum in 1955:

a. Establishment of United Europeb. Establishment of common institution

1- European confederation ofsovereign states

2-Governments of member states

3-Unanimity (with national vetopower)

4-Limited (most powers in foreignandSecurity policy remains on nationalLevel)

5-Service agency for nationalGovernments

1-European federation (with mostsovereignty transferred to the EULevel)2-EU institutions

3-One man one vote (and democraticLegitimation of EU institutions)

4-Broad (also in foreign and securityPolicy)

5-Common government

1 Finalite

2 Dominantactors3 Decisio making

4 Scope of EUinfluence

5 Function of EU

Guiding principle 1 Guiding principle 2

Interngovernmentality Supranationality

c. Creation of common marketd. Fusion of economic and social harmonies

3- Messina conferencea. Establishment of intergovernmental committee (as apaak committee)

4- Finally EEc and EURATOM were founded in Rome (Treaty of Rom) in 19579-What were the objectives and what were the implementation measures of the EEC?

Objectives of EEC Implementation of EEC1- Harmonious development 1- Abolition of tariffs2. Continuous and balanced expansion 2- Abolition of quantitative and qualitative restrictions3. Increased stability 3- Creation of a common external tariff4. More rapid growth in living standards 4- Common agricultural policy5. Closer links between the member states 5- Co-ordination of the economic policy

6- Creation of European social fund (ESF)10- What is the Treaty of Lisbon?Treaty of Lisbon:The treaty of Lisbon closely resembles the constitutional treaty, but avoids strong symbols of state-hood.

Lecture No. 03 (European Legal framework)1-The Evolution of the Treaties

1952: The European coal and still community1958: The Treaties of Rome: The European Economic Community, The European Atomic Energy Community1987: The European Single Act: The Single Market1993: The Treaty of Maastricht1999: The Treaty of Amsterdam2003: The Treaty of Nice2009: The Treaty of Lisbon

2- The failure of the European constitution and the Treaty of Lisbon ?

Maastricht leftovers because Amsterdam (Schengen included)Amsterdam leftover because Nice (flexibility, weight of votes)Nice leftover because (double majority, QMV, foreign affairs), and we should choose a different strategyEuropean Convention IGC does ot really workConstitutional treaty signed in Rom in October 2004; rejected in French and Dutch referendum in May 2005Berlin Declaration in 2007 aiming at new IGC and new TreatyLisbon The treaty of Lisbon closely resembles the constitutional Treaty, but avoid strong symbols of statehood

3- Why do we need EU Law? What are the sources of EU law?

Reasons of EU laws:

1- Sometimes it is easier / more effective / more efficient / simply desired / more legitimate to cooperate oncertain issues and policies

2- Cooperation is significantly easier on the basis of common rules and procedures3- Cooperation makes sense, if the results of such cooperation are actually enforced

Sources of EU laws:

1- Primary Law: The Treaties1- Treaty on the EU2- Treaty on the Functioning of the EU3- Further sources of primary law: (Amending EU Treaties, Treaties on new Member States)

2- Secondary Law: EU Legislation1- Unilateral acts listed in Art. 288 TFEU2- Atypical acts: communications, white papers, green papers3- Convention and Agreements: (International, between Member States and Inter-institutional

agreements)

3- Supplementary Law:1- Judicial Interpretation2- International Law3- General Principles of Law: Non-discrimination

4- What are the different Treaties establishing the European Union?

1952: The European coal and still community1958: The Treaties of Rome: The European Economic Community, The European Atomic Energy Community

1967 / 87: The Merger Treaty1993: The Treaty of Maastricht1999: The Treaty of Amsterdam2003: The Treaty of Nice2009: The Treaty of Lisbon

5-How can Treaties of European integration be changed?

The making of Treaties:1- Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs)2- Key actors in IGCs: Governments of Member States3- Decision making: Unanimity among MS and ratification in national parliaments4- Some countries need referendum for ratification5- Main responsibility: Council presidency6- Commission takes part in negotiations

Features of IGCs (N. Nugent)1- Economics before politics (functionalism and spillover)2- Flexibility (enhanced cooperation)3- Incrementalism4- Increased length and complexity (see contents of TEU and TFEU!)5- Variable pace (fast: 1950 1960; slow: 1960 1980; fast since 1980)6- Interplay between supranational and national actors7- Benefits for everybody

6- TEU and TFEU

Six Titles of TEU

1-Common Provisions2-Provisions on Democratic Principles3-Provisions on the Institutions4-Provisions on Enhanced Cooperation5-General Provisions on the Union6. Final Provisions

Seven Parts of TFEU

1-Principles2- Non-discrimination and Citizenship3- Union Policies and Internal Action4- Association of the overseas countries and territories5. External Action by the Union6. Institutional and Financial provisions7. General and Final provisions Protocols

7-Name the five types of unilateral legislative acts of the European Union!

1- Regulation: General application, binding in its entirety (upon instituitons, member states, individuals) anddirectly applicable in all member states.

2- Directive: shall be binding, as to the result to be achieved, upon each Member State to which it isaddressed, but shall leave to the national authorities the choice of form and methods.

3- Decision: shall be binding in its entirely. A decision which specifies those to whom it is addressed shall bebinding only on them..

4- Opinion: Shall have no binding force5- Recommendation: Shall have no binding force

8-What is Primary Law? What is Secondary Law? What is Supplementary Law?

1- Primary Law: The Treaties1- Treaty on the EU2- Treaty on the Functioning of the EU3- Further sources of primary law: (Amending EU Treaties, Treaties on new Member States)

2- Secondary Law: EU Legislation1- Unilateral acts listed in Art. 288 TFEU2- Atypical acts: communications, white papers, green papers3- Convention and Agreements: (International, between Member States and Inter-institutional

agreements)

3- Supplementary Law:1- Judicial Interpretation2- International Law3- General Principles of Law: Non-discrimination

9-How are decisions made in the European Union? Name the principal features of the EUs ordinary legislativeprocedure!

EU Decision making:

1- Drafting:1-Who drafts a proposal?2-How is a new proposal dr,afted?3-Who can participate in this process?4-What about the power distribution in this process?5-Is the drafting process similar to drafting processes on the national level?6-What is the "right of initiative"?

2- Decision Making1-What are the formal decision making procedures in the EU?2-How fast is decision making in the EU?3-Who takes part in the decision making process?4-What about the power distribution?

3- Implementation1-Who implements EU law?2-Which courts are responsible for EU law?3-What is the share of responsibility of the national level?4-What about the European Court of Justice?

10-Name the principal features of the EUs ordinary legislative procedure!

1- First reading1- Proposal from Commission2- EP first reading

1- Amendments / No amendments3- Council first reading

1- Approves all amendments;2- Adopts Common Position

4- Commission opinion on Common Position

2 Second reading1- EP second reading

1 Approves CP / Reject CP / Amends CP2- Commission opinion on EP amendment3- Council second reading

1- Approves EP amendments / Does not approve EP amendments

3- Conciliation and third reading1- Conciliation Committee

1- Agreement on joint text / No agreement on joint text2- EP third reading3- Council third reading

1- Approval of Joint text by C and EP / Rejection of Joint text by C or EP

Lecture No. 04 (EU Theories of European Integration)1-What is a theory?

Theory:A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has beenrepeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions. Theories explain something(explanandum; dependent variable) with something (explanans; independent variable) and need to be falsifiable.

1- Explanandum (Dependent variable)What you want to explain; what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during theexperiment. The dependent variable responds to the independent variable. It is called dependent becauseit "depends" on the independent variable.Example: Why is there smoke?

2- Explanans (Independent Variables)What you use in order to explain the explanandum; the variable you have control over, what you canchoose and manipulate. It is usually what you think will affect the dependent variable.Example: Because there is a fire!

3- FalsifiableThe possibility that a theory can be contradicted by an observation. (Attention: "falsifiable is not false!)Example 1: All swans are white (universal quantifier)Example 2: There is at least one black swan (existential quantifier)

4- VerifiableThe possibility to proof that a theory is true by an observation.Example 1: All swans are white (universal quantifier)Example 2: There is at least one black swan (existential quantifier)

2-What are the six types of scientific statements?

3- Conceptual prerequisites: 5 concepts needed/ what is intergovernmentalism? What is supranationalism?

1- Statehood:A system, composed of three elements ( 1-Territory, 2- People, 3- Sovereign authority)

2- Sovereignty:The highest power within a territory (Jean Bodin) (Internal sovereignty, External sovereignty)

3- Federalism:Multi-level governance (State competences on several levels, No level with competence-competence)

4- Intergovernmentalism:States decide together, but they stay sovereign. They are not forced to accept decisions(Unanimity, imperative mandate, national governments)

5- SupranationalismStates delegate power to a multi-national body (Transfer of sovereignty, Majority voting, Supranationalinstitutions)

4-Name the three types of theorizing European integration!

5-What are the key statements of the following Theories of European Integration?

Federalism:EU integration is explained by the interest of formerly sovereign states to promote peace and security throughUniting into one federation

1- States / elites built federal structures to promote peace2- One-time constitutional leap3- Political strategy: Institutions first (Function follows form)4- Clear normative goal: federal state via association (eg. USA) to replace system of competing nation states5- "Theoretical" proposition shared by many political actors engaged in the early process of European

integration6- Guiding principle: study of federal systems (with their mixture of unity and diversity) helps designing an

adequate European polity7- Focus on constitution and state symbols8- No level with competence-competence

Functionalism:1- Peace through worldwide cooperation among states2- Integration starts with (expert) institutions fulfilling (agencies) specific functions (low politics instead

of high politics)3- Form follows function4- Classical theory of regional integration that holds that a common need for technocratic management of

economic and social policy leads to the formation of international agencies. Such agencies promoteeconomic welfare, thus eventually gaining legitimacy, overcoming ideological opposition to stronginternational institutions, and in the long run evolving into a sort of international government, thoughperhaps not a true state." (Desmond Dinan, 2000)

5- Belongs to the liberal-idealist tradition of International Relations theory (Kant, Saint-Pierre, Rousseau,Wilson)

6- Main figure: David Mitrany (1888-1975); "A Working Peace System" (1944)7- Criticism to Functionalism: technocratic, nave, poor record of prediction, lack of scientific rigor

Neo-functionalism:1- Regional approach instead of global approach2- Start with functional areas (low politics) and continue to political areas (high politics)3- Deepening economic integration will create the need for further European institutionalization. Political

integration and supranational institutionalization are therefore side-effects of economic integration (BenRosamond, 2000).

4- Functional spill over: integration in one sector produces pressure for integration in other sectors5- Political spill over: National elites get socialized supranationally, increasing role of supranational

institutions6- Challenge to traditional IR theory: re-placement of power politics of states by supranational consensus

politics, eg. In Ernst Haas; "The Uniting of Europe" (1968) and in the so-called "Community method(Jean Monnet)

7- Criticisms to Neo-functionalism: implausible because of continuing relevance of states; Ernst Haas(1970s): Neo functionalism should rather be seen as a "pre-theory", relying on a teleological assumptionof progress

Intergovernmentalism:European integration explained by member states governmentsinterest in creating intergovernmental agencieshelping them to promote their national interest in specific areas

1- Key actors in European integration: national governments2- Liberal intergovernmentalism: liberal interest formation, rational state behavior, relative bargaining

power3- Important authors: Kenneth Waltz, Andrew Moravcsik, John Mearsheimer, Stanley Hoffmann4- Basic assumptions: Anarchy can produce order, but cooperation between states is always limited.

Rational states seek to maximize the possibilities for their survival. Most powerful states dominatesystem.

5- Gained ground during the "intergovernmentalist backlash" (empty chair policy); originated in realist IRtheory

6- Spillovers take place only in areas of "low politics7- Critiques: Does not explain waves of integration; false assumptions (instrumental rationality of states,

anarchy as main structural feature)1. Thanks2. Download course o

Lecture No. 05 (EU Budget and Overview EU Institutions)1-What are the most important institutions of the European Union? / Political system of European union ?

1- National Parliament2- European Parliament3- National Government4- Council of Ministers --- Presidency (Lithuania)

1- Creper and working group2- General Secretariat

5- European Council --- Presidency (Mr. Van Rompuy)6- European Commission --- Presidency (Mr. Barroso)

1- Working group7- Court of Justice of the EU

1- Court of Justice2- General Court3- EU Civil Service Tribunal

2-What type of political system is the European Union? Why?

3-What are the key features of the budget of the European Union?

4-What are the four sources of income for the European Union?

1- Gross National Income (Total 76%)A uniform percentage rate (currently ~ 0.73%) of the gross national income of the member states

2- Traditional own resources (12%)Traditional own resources: Import duties on products entering the European Union

3- VAT (11%)A uniform percentage rate (normally ~ 0.3%) that is applied to each Member States harmonized VATrevenue

4- Others (1%)Taxes paid by EU staff on their salaries Contributions from other states Fines from companies that breach EU law

5-Name the limitations to the EU budget!

EU budget revenue and expenditure is limited:1- Treaties

The Union budget is not allowed to be in deficit by the treaties; revenue has to cover entire expenditure

2- Own resources ceilingA maximum spending limit agreed by the Member States governments and parliaments. Known as theown resources ceiling, this limit is currently set at 1.23 % of the Unions gross national income (GNI) forpayments made from the EU budget (1.29 % for commitments). This corresponds to approximately EUR293 per EU citizen on average.

3- MFFA multiannual financial framework (MFF) agreed by the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers andthe European Commission, which controls the evolution of the EU budget by expenditure category over aset period of time.

4- Financial regulationA financial regulation adopted by the Council and Parliament that sets out the rules on the establishment,execution, management and audit of the budget

6-What is the UK rebate?

The UK rebate:The UK is reimbursed 66% of the difference between its contribution to the EU budget (excluding traditionalown resources) and the amount it receives back from the budget.

In 2011, the UK rebate amounted to EUR 3.6 billion.

1- Cost of the UK rebate shared by others in proportion to their relative contribution to the EU GNI2- Some 'rebates on the rebate' to the traditionally most important net contributors to the EU budget3- The UK has already benefitted from similar correction mechanisms since 1976.4- The current UK rebate was agreed on by the 1984 Fontainebleau European Council5- No expiry date

7-What are the net contributors in the EU? What are the net beneficiaries in the EU?

Lecture No. 06 (Institutions - I)1-Is the Council of the European Union well known among Europeans????

2-Do Europeans trust the Council of the European Union?

Record 60% of Europeans 'tend not to trust' EU1- The number of Europeans who distrust the European Union has doubled over the past six years to a

record high, with bailed-out Greeks and Cypriots having the least faith in the bloc, according to a newEurobarometer poll.

2- 60 % of Europeans "tended not to trust the EU", according to Eurobarometer, a public opinion service ofthe European Commission, which released its spring findings.(http://www.euractiv.com/elections/record-60-europeans-tend-trust-e-news-529566)

3-What is the difference between the Council of the European Union and the European Council? What is theCouncil of Europe?

Council of the European Union:1- Arguably the most powerful and the least known institution of the EU2- Most important meetings held in secret, little media coverage3- Little academic study compared with, e.g. Parliament or Commission4- Also called the Council of Ministers, or simply as, The Council5- Represents the interests of the member states governments6- Not the same as the European Council which meets 4x a year at the European Summit and is made up

of the heads of states of the member countries.7- Definitely not the same as the Council of Europe which is a European organization located in Strasbourg, It

was founded in 1949 to protect human rights and foster democracy. Made up of 36 nations

European Council:1- Summit meetings of the heads of government (F: head of state), held at least four times per year2- Highest political body of the European Union3- Represents intergouvernmental guiding principle of the Union: Jeffrey Lewis, 2003: The European4- Council is the body universally recognized as the ultimate intergovernmental protectorate in the EU5- Very few formal decision-making functions6- Forum for informal contacts between heads of government (socialization function)7- Legendary friendships: Giscard dEstaing and Helmut Schmidt; Francois Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl

Council of Europe:Definitely not the same as the Council of Europe which is a European organization located in Strasbourg, Itwas founded in 1949 to protect human rights and foster democracy. Made up of 36 nations

4-In how many sectoral configurations does the Council meet? In which ones?

5-What are the functions of the Council? Agenda

Function of the Council:1- Legislative functions: Initiatives (indirectly or in CFSP), Negotiation, Decision making)2- Coordination function: Coordination of national policies (explicitly, implicitly)3- Executive functions: Especially in the field of CFSP4- Representation function: Networking, Responsiveness, Presentation, Communicative leadership5- Latent functions: Socialization, symbolic functions

6-What are the functions of the European Council?

Function of the European Council:1- Provision of general political guidance and momentum2- Oversight of Treaty reform and enlargement / constitutional functions3- Steering of foreign policy4- Decision making (as a decision maker of last resort)5- Policy monitoring

7-Who is the president of the European Council? of the foreign affairs Council?

1- The European Council shall elect its President by QM, by a qualified majority, for a term of two and a halfyears, renewable once. In the event of an impediment or serious misconduct, the European Council canend the Presidents term of office in accordance with the same procedure.

2- The European Council shall consist of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States, togetherwith its President and the President of the Commission. The High Representative of the Union for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy shall take part in its work.

8-What is Coreper I? What is Coreper II? What are their functions?

COREPER is the designation of the two working groups/committees of officials whose task is the preparation ofmeetings of the Council. (Coreper I and Coreper II)

Coreper I:

1- Consisting of the deputy permanent representatives, deals with technical matters.2- Coreper I, prepares a large number of special Council meetings (e.g., employment, internal market,

industry, energy etc.).

Coreper II:

1- Consisting of the ambassadors, deals with political, commercial, economic or institutional matters.2- Coreper II, also prepares a large number of special Council meetings, where discuss politically sensitive

areas or institutional and general issues (e.g., General Affairs, ECOFIN Justice and Home Affairs).

Coreper Function:1- Coreper "is responsible for preparing the work of the Council and for carrying out the tasks assigned to it

by the Council."2- Coreper also deals with all areas of the Council's work apart from agricultural issues, for which Agriculture

Council dossiers are prepared by the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA)..

9-How many Council working parties are there? What do they do?

1- There are more than 200 council working parties. They prepare council Act. (indirectly, directly:Preparation of Coreper)

2- If consensus is reaches in a council working parties, o more real voting in Coreper or council.3- Council Agenda: A-Point-Procedure

10-How is the agenda of a Council meeting structured?

11-What is the language regime in the Council? In Coreper?1- 23 official languages in the EU (e.g. Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Swedish

etc.)2- Working Language in EU institutions:

1- Commission: English, French, German2- Coreper: English, French, German3- European Parliament: depends on demands

12-Describe the decision-making process within the Council!

13-What is Qualified majority voting? What is simple majority voting? What is unanimity?

Qualified Majority Voting (QMV):Currently:

1- 255/345 votes2- Majority of member states

As from 1 November 2014;1- 55% of member states2- Representing 65% of EU population3- Minimum blocking minority: 4 MS that represent more than 35 % of the population of the participating

MS.Simple Majority Voting (SMV):

1- The Council of Ministers decides by an absolute majority of its members on issues where no othermajority is mentioned in the treaties. 14 of the 27 Member States must therefore agree. But most often,the Council decides by qualified majority voting.

2- The EU Commission always decides by an absolute majority of the Commissioners, which means at least14 of its 27 members.

Unanimity:In practice, the Council targeted unanimous decisions, and qualified majority voting was often simply used as ameans to pressure compromises for consensus. For example in 2008, 128 out of 147 Council decisions wereunanimous. Within the remaining decisions, there was a total of 32 abstentions and 8 votes against the respectivedecision.

Lecture No. 07 (Institutions - II)1-What is the motion of censure in the EP?

Article 2341- If a motion of censure on the activities of the Commission is tabled before it, the European Parliament

shall not vote thereon until at least three days after the motion has been tabled and only by open vote.2- If the motion of censure is carried by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast,

1- Then the members of the Commission shall resign as a body and the High Representative of theUnion for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy shall resign from duties in the Commission.

2- They shall remain in office and continue to deal with current business until they are replaced inaccordance with Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union.

2-What are the functions of the European Parliament?

1- Legislation:1- Some influence at the pre-proposal legislative stage through discussion with Commission, adoption

of initiative reports, or requesting Commission to submit proposal2- Participation in the budgetary procedure3- Co-legislation (ordinary legislative procedure)4- Consultation (consultation procedure)5- BUT: no full initiating role, no veto power under the consultation procedure

2- Scrutiny:1- Motion of censure2- Election of the president of the European Commission3- Election of the European Commission (as a body)4- Parliamentary inquiries (towards the European Commission)5- Participation in the budgetary procedure and definition of MFF6- Public critique of European Commission

3- Others:1- Representing the people of Europe2- Networking with national parliaments3- Networking with national civil society4- Communication of EU policies

3-What is the internal structure of the European Parliament?

1- Plenary: 732 MdEP (Strasbourg)2- Parliamentary group: Currently seven3- Committee: Currently 224- Management structure: Most importantly the president (currently Martin Schulz)

4-Describe the electoral system of the European Parliament!

There is no uniform voting system for the election of MEPs; rather, each member state is free to choose its ownsystem, under these restrictions;

1- The system must be a form of proportional representation, under either the party list or the singletransferable vote system.

2- The electoral area may be subdivided if this will not generally affect the proportional nature of the votingsystem.

3- Any election threshold at the national level must not exceed five percent

5-Which political ideologies are represented in the EP?

1- European Peoples Party (EPP): 265Christian Democratic, moderate center-right

2- Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats 184(S&D): Social Democratic, center-left

3- Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe 84(ALDE): Pro-European, centrist, liberal

4- Greens / European Free Alliance: 55Green thoughts, pro-European, regionalist

5- European Conservatives and Reformists Groups (ECR): 54Conservative, populist

6- Confederal Groups of the Europe United Left/Nordic Green Left: 35Socialist, Nordic leftist greens

7- Europe of Freedom and Democracy (EFD): 32Eurosceptic, right-wing populist

6-How are seats allocated in the EP? How would you evaluate the allocation of seats in the EP?

1- The allocation of seats to each member state is based on the principle of degressive proportionality, sothat, while the size of the population of each country is taken into account, smaller states elect moreMEPs than is proportional to their populations.

2- For example: Estonia has 1.2 M inhabitants, Malta has 0.4 M.Malta with same number of MEP but less votes in the Council than Slovenia and Luxemburg(Seats in EP: Malta=6, Slovenia=6, Luxemburg=6, Estonia=6)

Voting the council of Ministers: Short Question Answers:Q: What is the minimum number of states than can veto a decision (in QMV)? Which states?A: 4 (eg, 3 big states + one (not Malta) 91 VotesQ: Is it possible that a minority of states has more than 255 votes?A: Yes! (13 largest states: 257 votes)Q: Are member states represented in the Council in a fair way?A: Principle of sovereignty vs. principle of democracyQ: Will the change in the voting system in the Council increase or decrease the influence of Germany?A: Increase (share of votes proportional to population)Q: Will the change in the voting system in the Council increase or decrease the influence of Malta?A: Decrease (share of votes proportional to population)

Lecture No. 08 (Institutions - III)1-What do most Europeans fear?

1- Cybercrime:Just 48 percent of European Union Internet users surveyed several months ago had changed any of theironline passwords during the past year, despite 76 percent believing that the risk of becoming a victim ofcybercrime has increased.

2- Security of online paymentOnly half of those surveyed said they used the Internet to shop or bank online. Those who do notreported that they were concerned about the misuse of personal data and the security of onlinepayments.For these purposes, the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) was launched in January and in August theE.U. adopted new rules of criminalizing.

3- Minimum wage in EU:

Across the EU, 18 other countries have a minimum wage, including France, the UK and most of EasternEurope. The planned German rate of 58 percent of the median wage would bring it close to France

2-Describe the attitudes towards EU integration in different EU member states!

Marine Le Pen vows to block further EU integration: as says;

1- I dont expect anything from the European system except that it explodes, and she predicted thatEurosceptic parties from across the continent would make a massive breakthrough in elections to theEuropean parliament.

2- The role we will have we, the patriots elected to the European parliament will be to block by allmeans, to contribute to the transfer of powers from our people to the European Union.

3-What could explain the decreasing levels of trust in EU institutions?

1- Trust in the EU has, on average, reached an all-time low, now standing at 31% - a 3% decrease sinceautumn 2011. At the same time, the average level of trust in national governments and parliaments hasincreased, reaching 28% for both.

2- Country-by-country results are equally worrying. Both in Greece and Spain, for instance, the level of trustin the respective governments has decreased.

3- This suggests that trust in the EU as a counter-balance to unpredictable national politics is starting todiminish.

4-How much do European know about the EU?

1- In any case the media knows most people arent interested, so European elections generally end upfocusing on domestic issues instead.

2- Although many people have a sense that Europe is important and that its where many of our laws aremade, most peoples engagement with European politics is close to non-existent.

3- That might be understandable given the remoteness of the institutions and the lack of media coverage,but its still a problem.

4- Democracy only works well when people are in touch with the issues, and can hold their decision makersaccountable. Whether youre personally pro- or anti-Europe, nobodys about to hold Europe up as a greatexample of democracy in action.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/patrick-harvie-need-stay-europe-3021123

5-Do Europeans feel as Europeans? Why/why not?

Why:European feels that we are in Powerful position (especially between the two emerging superpowers after WW II),A Single European Market increases equal opportunity for all MS, and European Standards is counted for wholeEurope equally.

Why not:Germany as a big economy: "We have the single market, we have the free movement of goods, products andservices but we have problems with the free movement of people but we haven't got a single space for culturaland common values of Europe," Former Slovakian PM says.

6-What is the difference between an interest group and a political party?

Interest group:The study of interest group politics that is the organization, aggregation, articulation, and intermediation ofsocietal interests that seek to shape public policies.

Political party:European political parties are themselves composed primarily of national parties. For example, a member of thePartido Popular in Spain is by membership of the PP to the European Peoples Party also a member of the EPP.

7-Is lobbyism necessary? Is it good? Is it bad? Why?

Lobbyism:Lobbying (also lobby) is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, mostoften legislators or members of regulatory agencies.

Why its good:1- The lobbying activities are those that provide both arguments and scientific and technical elements for

taking the decision or change certain policies and as long as we use it for a good perception I a right way.2- Lobbying is a good thing, if it is practiced in an ethical way.

Why its bad:1- Lobbying is no longer a matter of freedom of speech.2- Lobbying is facing a great transparency problem3- Lobbying has rarely been perceived to be a force for good

8-Which types of interest groups can be distinguished? What do they do?

Interest groups can be categorized in a variety of ways;

1- Public Interest GroupsPublic interest groups, who works on, public concerns, such as pollution, consumer protection and othersocial issues in the society.

2- Groups in the Economic SectorIt is closely examined in the section about capital and labor groups, who analyze the market in the rightway.

3- Professional GroupsProfessional groups in the United States include the American Bar Association (ABA) and the AmericanMedical Association (AMA) who works for achievement the goals in the field of judiciary and medicalrespectively.

Lecture No. 10 (Policies and CAP)1-What is the policy cycle?

1- Agenda settingInternal sources and External sources

2- Decision makingOrdinary procedure, specific procedures of decision making, and informality

3- Choice of meanRegulation, directive, decisions, recommendation / opinion

4- ImplementationMember states, EU executive orgais

5- Outputs / outcomes6- Evaluation and feedback

2-What are the sources of input to EU policies?

1- Internal inputs: European societyNGOs, interest groups, public opinion, individual citizens initiative

2- External inputs: International environmentGlobalization, external security concerns, duties in the context of IO

1- Can be solved by EU institutions efficiently2- Cannot be solved on levels below EU Principle of subsidiarity3- Problems that demand solutions

3-Name some policies where the EU has the competence to act!

1- Common Agriculture policy (CAP) - Important2- Budget policy3- Economy policy4- Monetary Affairs - Important5- Education6- Single market - Important7- Common fisheries policy (CFP)8- Common foreign and security policy (CFSP) - Important

4-What are the key characteristics of the European fisheries policy / Common fishery policy (CFP)?

The CFP was first introduced in the 1970s and went through successive updates with effect on 1 January2014.

1- The CFP is a set of rules for managing European fishing fleets and for conserving fish stocks.2- Designed to manage a common resource, it gives all European fishing fleets equal access to EU

waters and fishing grounds and allows fishermen to compete fairly.3- If some of the fishing stocks are overfished, as a result, EU countries have taken action to ensure

the European fishing industry is sustainable and does not threaten the fish population size andproductivity over the long term.

5-How does the EU try to build a European identity? Is this successful?

1- Marketing European cultureParticularly European capital of culture (some European cities are named European capital of culture)

2- Lifelong Learning Program (LLP)1- Grundvig (Exchange program for adult learners and teachers)2- Comenius (Exchange program for schools)3- Erasmus (Exchange program for higher education)4- Leonardo da Vinci (Exchange program for vocational training)

3- Pan-European InitiativesParticularly Bologna-Process (European higher education area with common degree standards andincreased comparability)

6-What are the key characteristics of the CAP?

1- IncomeStabilization of income of farmers (The 14 million farmers in the EU earn only 40% of people outsideagriculture)

2- StandardsGuarantee of high standards in the protection of animals, crops, and products

3- EnvironmentProtection of the environment

4- EnergyUse of plants as sources of energy

5- CompetitionGlobal competitiveness

6- DevelopmentDevelopment of rural areas

(Cost of CAP: Euro 60.000.000.000)

7-In which way was the CAP reformed over the last decades?

CAP reform in 1992;1- Introduction of quotas for agricultural products2- Decrease of guaranteed prices3- Evolution from subsidies on production to direct support for rural incomes4- Encouraging more environmentally friendly farming

CAP reform in 2003;1- Given existing price gaps between candidate countries.2- Key-element: "decoupling" subsidies from particular crops1- Introduction of "cross-compliance" conditions relating to environmental, food safety and animal welfare

standards

8-Why is the CAP so important in the EU? / Todays priorities of the CAP

1- Viable food production2- Sustainable management of natural resources3- Balanced development of rural areas throughout the EU4- Income support for farmers5- Market support

9-How can the CAP is explained (use theoretical models!)

Liberal intergovernmentalism1- CAP created to meet French national interest2- CAP as package deal between French agricultural interests and German industrial interests3- Farmers and agricultural lobby organizations (COPA) very strong4- Key role of the Council

Neo-functionalism1- Start small (CAP) and hope for spillover (hard policies)2- CAP made fixed exchange rates for national currencies necessary3- Important role of European Commission in CAP (and finally even of the European Parliament)

Multi-level governance1- Transfer of agricultural policy from the national to the intergovernmental to the supranational level2- Mirrored by civil society organizations (eg, COPA)3- Sometimes Council (agriculture) overruled by European Council ( hint for the supranationalization of the

Council)

Lecture No. 11 (External relations)1-Four main aspects to the EUs external relations?

1- External Trade2- Foreign and Defense Policies3- Development Policy4- External Dimensions of internal Policies

2-EU external trade based on two pillars: CCT and CCP

3-EU trade policy priorities between liberalism and protectionism

1- Liberalism:1- Lowering international customs duties2- Removing non-tariff barriers to trade3- Opening of restricted spheres of trade activity

2- Protectionist:1- Seeking special exceptions from general trade agreements2- Imposing anti-dumping duties3- Negotiating orderly marketing agreements with more competitive countries

4-EU Foreign and defense policy resources?

1- Powerful member states2- Diplomatic skills3- Two nuclear powers4- Two veto powers in UN security council5- EU defense spending second after USA6- EUs power full economy

Common Customs Tariff (CCT)1-CCT applies to the import of goods acrossthe external borders of the EU

2-No national customs / trade policy

3-Customs revenue goes to EU budget

4-Rates depend on economic sensitivity ofProducts

Common Commercial Policy (CCP)1-Liberal and protectionists priorities of EUtrade policy

2-Three types of EU trade agreements:

1-Trade agreements (Art. 207 TFEU)1- Originally only goods, since Lisbon (services

and intellectual property2-Trade and economic cooperation agreements

1- Trade agreement and additional provisions2- Political conditions (e.g. Human rights) are

routinely part of cooperation agreements3-Association agreements1- Board co-operation in many spheres2- Mostly with European countries with

membership perspective.

4-Which various policy instruments can be used by EU?

1- Action and positions1- Action to be taken by the union2- Positions to be taken by the union3- Arrangement for the implementation of the decision referred to above

2- Using economic strength1- Offer / withdraw trade benefits2- Offer / withdraw economic and financial assistance3- Offer / withdraw other forms of cooperation

3- Diplomacy1- National diplomatic service o2- European external action service (EEAS)

4- Common security and defense policy1- Traditional defense left to NATO or member states2- EU act autonomously only NATO chooses not to act

4-Some example of the European foreign policy action?

1- Extension of the mandate of the European Union special representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina2- Appointment of the EU special representative in Kosovo3- A further contribution of the EU to the conflict settlement in Georgia / South Ossetia4- Amendment of Joint Action on the establishment of the EU policy mission on Afghanistan5- Restrictive measures against Uzbekistan

5-Please describe one of the four following EU Missions carefully and try to analyze it comprehensively?

1. ALTHEA Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2. EUNAVFOR Somalia, 3. EUPOL Afghanistan, 4. EULEX KosovoEUPOL AfghanistanTask:

1- Support the implementation of the National Police Strategy2- Contribute to the establishment of a proactive, intelligence-led police force with an appropriate

command, control and communication structure3- Support the development of criminal investigation capability, including for international cooperation in

criminal matters.4- Address the linkages to the wider rule of law allowing an efficient penal process5- Within the remit of the Mission, streamline and coordinate the international contributions in the field of

police reform

Strategic Objectives:1- The strategic objectives of EUPOL are the vehicle to achieve the Missions goal.2- Develop police command, control and communications3- Develop intelligence-led policing4- Build the capabilities of the Criminal Investigations Department5- Develop anti-corruption capacities6- Improve cooperation and coordination between Police and Judiciary

Lecture No. 13 (Flexible integration and the future ofEurope)

1-Flexible integration a very hot topic! Is it right?Statement - 1Europe is like a football club. "You join the club but when you're in it you can't say: 'I'm going to play rugby now.'(Laurent Fabius)Statement 2"Germany wants the United Kingdom to remain an active and constructive part of the European Union... Butcherry picking is not an option (Guido Westerwelle)

2- What does David Cameron say aboutthe future of Europe?

David Cameron says;1- The content of a referendum in Britain?2- The date of a referendum in Britain?3- The future of the European Union?

How do you think Europe should look like according to David Cameron?

3-Which scenario for the future of Europe does you consider most likely? Three scenarios?

Scenario 2020:1- Supranatinoal Integration: Further deepening in supranational core (Britain leaves the EU)

(Falling apart)2- Flexible Integration / Multi-Speed-Europe: Further deepening in supranational core and partial

integration of Britain (Britain stays half) (Deep dive today)3- Lowest Common Denominator: Less integration and widening of EU (Britain stays in the EU)

(Political deadlock)4-Flexible integration in Europe?

Three triggers for debates about flexible integration are;1- Enlargement2- Crisis3- Phases of low public support for EU integration

Divers concepts are used by scientists, politicians, and journalists:Two-speed Europe", Core Europe", "Variable Geometry", "Flexible Integration", Differentiated Integration" etc.

5-Why flexible integration? / Three cause for the demand of flexible integration in Europe? / Can Model offlexible integration contribute to the solution of the acceptance problem?

Problems / Causes / reasons:1- Different level of support for further integration

2- Different economic situation in different EU members states3- Problem of incongruity /unsuitableness

Solution:1- Lowest Common Denominator:

Every step in the process of integration is determined by the member state with the least interest in deepeningintegration

Advantage: No split of the UnionDisadvantage: Many veto player, no possibility of deepening integration in smaller groups

2- Flexible integration:Deepening of integration of some member states (open for rest)

Advantage: Flexibility, no possibility of deadlock, purely voluntary basis for deepeningDisadvantage: At least temporarily: Division in core and less integrated parts

3- Supranational Integration:Further deepening decided by (qualified) majority of member states, however, binding for everybody

Advantage: no deadlock, no split of UnionDisadvantage: Potentially: Integration against the will of individual member states

6-What are three different concepts of flexible integration?

1- Variable Geometry:Potentially lasting separation in fully integrated core and less integrated periphery

Concept: Concentric circle, Opt-in / Opt-out, core Europe, differentiated integrationExample: SchengenImportant thinker: Jacqes Delors

2- Multi speed:Common Finalite, but deepening faster in core, rest following later

Concept: Two speed, step-by-step, flying geeseExample: EuroImportant thinker: Wolfgang Schuble

3- A la carte:Member state choose freely in which issues / policies they want to cooperate, no common Finalite

Concept: Pick-and-choose, overlapping circles, Bits-and-piecesExample: IRL: AbortionImportant thinker: David Cameron

7-What are two speed integration?

Two speed integration:1- Common Finalite

Transition phase for new member states (e.g. free movement of employees)2- Differentiation only for transition

EURO (without Opt-Outs)3- Open to others

Stability Union

8-Describe the Criticism of flexible integration?

1- PoliticalFlexible integration contradicts the guiding principle of European integration: common federal Finalite

2- StrategicA smaller core will never be able to compete on the international stage

3- EconomicFlexible integration leads to path dependent stabilization of core-periphery-structure (due to economiesof scale, network-effects)

4- TechnicalPolicies are linked and cannot be combined freely. Therefore flexible integration leads to permanentdivision into deeply integrated core and less integrated periphery

9-How well could exist EU institutions be used for flexible integration?

Institution: Applicability for flexible integration

1-European Parliament Logistic problem

2-European council Special formation

3-General secretariat of the council Technical support

4-European commission Technical and professional support

5-European court of justice Implementation monitoring

10-The most important dangers of flexible integration are:

1- Permanent core-periphery structure2- Centrifugal development (especially with UK)3- Emergence of redundant administrative structures4- Purely intergouvernmental cooperation5- Exclusion of European Parliament